Best DL for the Niners' defense

I'm hoping for Tuitt to fall to us in the second round

aaron donald

but i also really like tuitt

Tuitt.

My man love for Tuitt notwithstanding I absolutely love what Easley would bring to the team in terms of attitude & leadership. The guy's about as manic as Harbaugh, and I think the enthusiasm would rub off on the rest of the team.

Had you asked that question after the 2012 season i would have said Tuitt all the way. Not so sure anymore after this last season. My favorite D-Line players are all out of reach unless we trade up at this point.
So i go with my favorite project for Tomsula and a probable steal 2 years from now, Will Clarke DE West Virginia. Likely in the 3th - 4th round range.

Originally posted by pwillis52beasty:

I'm hoping for Tuitt to fall to us in the second round

Not going to happen - he may fall into the 2nd round, but not to 56. He had very long arms (34 3/4") and came into the combine in better shape (6'5 304 down from 320 early in the season). He did 31 reps with his long arms and he carries his weight very well for someone his size. He would have crushed Hageman in the 40 if he was able to run - he was projected to run in the 4.75-4.8 range. He was also productive playing DE in a 3-4 facing a lot of double teams (Nix helped take some pressure off, but Tuitt still got double teamed almost all the time).

Tuitt is the best DE for anyone's 3-4 defense in my opinion (unless a team chooses to convert Clowney to a 3-4 DE which would seem like a waste). He was more productive and is physically more impressive than Hageman. I think Donald and Clowney are better DL, but not in a 3-4 (Clowney would be a good fit in a 3-4 but as an OLB)

I'd take Tuitt at #30 no matter what ....

Could any of these guys beat out current 3-4 DE on the Niners current roster.

Brent Urban
Taylor Hart
Will Clark
Kareem Martin
Josh Mauro

Originally posted by tatdwolf49:
I'd take Tuitt at #30 no matter what ....

My take also. However, they can trade down to early or mid second round and still get good value.

Hageman, followed by Tuitt, followed by Jones. DeAndre Coleman and Kareem Martin in later rounds. Hageman had moments where he was literally unblockable, activated full beast mode, it is beautiful to see, reminded me of 2011 Justin Smith against the Giants. Both Tuitt and Hageman have impressive athleticism and strength but Hageman plays much more violently, quicker hands, has a higher ceiling as well IMO, more room to progress and develop. I'd be happy with either guy, both could eventually take over for Justin Smith in a year or two.


Martin had an outstanding Combine, not a major pass rushing DE but tremendously effective against the run. Coleman has come on strong in the offseason.

I'll take Easley or Jones in the 3rd over Hageman, Tuitt, or Nix in the 1st. I can see why some would want a DE or NT in the 1st but to me we have much bigger needs. I would wait until next year or the year after to spend a 1st on a DE/NT depending on how Carradine does and if we re-sign Dorsey. We have Smith and McDonald signed for 2 more years, wouldn't hurt to draft one early next year to develop. A lot depends on Carradine but this year the earliest I would go DE is the 3rd. I'd love to get Easley with our 3rd and put him on IR if need be and let him learn from Tomsula this year.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Hageman, followed by Tuitt, followed by Jones. DeAndre Coleman and Kareem Martin in later rounds. Hageman had moments where he was literally unblockable, activated full beast mode, it is beautiful to see, reminded me of 2011 Justin Smith against the Giants. Both Tuitt and Hageman have impressive athleticism and strength but Hageman plays much more violently, quicker hands, has a higher ceiling as well IMO, more room to progress and develop. I'd be happy with either guy, both could eventually take over for Justin Smith in a year or two.


Martin had an outstanding Combine, not a major pass rushing DE but tremendously effective against the run. Coleman has come on strong in the offseason.

In terms of guys that fit the 49er mold to replace McDonald, it's Martin and Coleman (IMO). Both are slightly oversized DEs/undersized DTs that are tough run stuffers and have vines for arms.

Why do you guys insist on drafting a DE in round 1 when we have DE- Tank Carridine who will be in the mix as the 3rd defensive End off the bench Behind our starters. Tank Carridine was a top 15 value player prior to his knee injury/surgery and they stated that he looks outstanding in his workouts. I would say draft another defensive end in the 3rd round not in round #1.